The horned guan (Oreophasis derbianus) is an ancient, endangered bird with a unique tall, red, fleshy horn on its forehead that has lived in isolation for millions of years. It is the only survivor of a very ancient lineage of cracids (large, chicken-like birds) that has been evolving independently from all other living members of this family for at least 20 million years, and possibly as much as 40 million years. It is found in high-elevation cloud forests on isolated mountain peaks in Guatemala and the Mexican state of Chiapas, feeding on fruits, flowers, and leaves.
© BirdsImageStock